The EcOnomical Mom

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If you're a pet owner, one way to be more ecOnomical is to groom them yourself. This can potentially save you a considerable amount of money throughout the year. I understand that for some, it's a matter of convenience. I can sympathize; it can be a daunting task if your pet's uncooperative. Enlist some help, it's always easier with two people.

You're probably wondering where the title of this post comes in...Trimming your pets toenails can be tricky. You don't want to cut them too short or you cut into the quick. :( (The quick contains blood vessels and bleeds easily and continuously.) If this happens you will need a styptic pen.

For those of you who have never trimmed a pet's toenails or are just nervous about doing this, you should ask your vet to give you a demonstration or supervise you in their office. If you feel comfortable enough, you can visit this tutorial on how to trim pet's nails.

During college I managed a pet store and loved helping our vet tech groom the puppies. She taught me a lot. Because of this, I am very comfortable trimming my dog's nails. That said, I still fear cutting them into the quick...just like I did earlier today.

If this happens and it will at some point a styptic pen will stop the bleeding. If you're like me, you won't have one on hand at the time. If this happens, you can make your own styptic pen. All you will need are Q-tips, cornstarch, and water. Slightly dampen the Q-tip and dip it in the cornstarch. Then apply the cornstarch directly onto the toenail. That's it. Just make sure to watch your pet. Mine likes to lick off the cornstarch!

I've heard some people recommend using flour. You could, but cornstarch thickens much faster than flour and the point is to stop the bleed right now. That's why I recommend using cornstarch.

Don't forget to stay calm and rub your pet's head while all of this is going on. You don't want them to be afraid or associate fear with getting their nails trimmed.

HiI'm Sheena.I was searching for eco-friendly blogs and and came across your blog and glad top see some green related articles in it.I'm also into green initiative and working for bagsontherun.com, a site selling eco-friendly , reusable bags for all purposes.

I would be glad if you could mention bagsontherun.com or write a review on it so that visitors to your site would come to know more about these environment-friendly bags. In return we will give you a link in our site www.gogreenandsavetheworld.com or our blog http://www.gogreenandsaveme.blogspot.com/.RegardsSheena Bone

Hi! I love your great tips & information filled blog. Since you started Tipsy Tuesday, I am planning of joining, but I am always too late or overwhelmed - I seriously need tips on time-management!! I gave you Kreativ Blogger Award. Come and check out my blog to pick it up.

Thank you SO much for this post! I finally hit the quick for the first time today (after many years of trimming nails!) and when I googled "home made styptic", this article came up. I unfortunately didn't have any corn starch in the house when it happened, but flour slowed it long enough for me to run to the store and get some. It worked like a charm! I will definitely be keeping it on hand in the future instead of pet store styptic. $1 for a big box of corn starch wins over $5 styptic! :)